The body actually produces its own anti-itch chemicals which help us out with relieving all types of rashes, stings and hives. Often, this chemical provides enough relief for us; sometimes we need to help it along with an antihistamine like Benadryl or Chlortrimeton. As the sun goes down and our body prepares for sleep, however, this chemical in our body decreases. It is very common, like my friend’s daughter, for the rash to worsen at night and then disappear completely during the day. This is also why your insect bites itch more at night.

But something is not right with this young man: his eye contact is patchy; he doesn’t seem to understand common turns of phrase or ambiguities of language; he is literal to the point of offense, pedantic to the point of aggression. (“Final clubs,” says Mark, correcting Erica, as they discuss those exclusive Harvard entities, “ Not Finals clubs.”) He doesn’t understand what’s happening as she tries to break up with him. (“Wait, wait, this is real?”) Nor does he understand why . He doesn’t get that what he may consider a statement of fact might yet have, for this other person, some personal, painful import:

As I talked and prayed with this lady, I couldn’t stop thinking about the whys behind leaving the ministry. The whys – not just for me but for the countless pastors who resign or are handed their pink slips – are quite shocking.